NYT’S Friedman’s rants now rank with Bill O’Reilly’s

FAIR – New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman has urged the U.S. government to create blacklists of condemned political speech–not only by those who advocate violence, but also by those who believe that U.S. government actions may encourage violent reprisals. The latter group, which Friedman called “just one notch less despicable than the terrorists,” includes a majority of Americans, according to recent polls.

That’s right. Friedman is saying most U.S. citizens are just one notch less despicable than terrorists because they don’t support the war and because they believe if you attack someone, they will no doubt attack you back.

“After every major terrorist incident, the excuse makers come out to tell us why imperialism, Zionism, colonialism or Iraq explains why the terrorists acted. These excuse makers are just one notch less despicable than the terrorists and also deserve to be exposed. When you live in an open society like London, where anyone with a grievance can publish an article, run for office or start a political movement, the notion that blowing up a busload of innocent civilians in response to Iraq is somehow “understandable” is outrageous.”

Note how the words are twisted. “Understandable” becomes synonymous with “condonable.” Again, if you invade a country with your justification being lies, then of course they will fight back.

The chasm between the ruling class and the U.S. public becomes ever wider. The ruling class wants more wars and more invasions. The public does not. Let’s send a clear message on Sept. 24. Antiwar rallies will be taking place in D.C. L.A. S.F., and dozens of other cities. Be there.